Page 518 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

thousands of people through our concert and learning programmes. Liverpool Philharmonic
enjoys immense support from local people and partners, and I can think of no better city in which
to lead a music organisation. I am privileged to work with an incredible team of colleagues and
this award is as much a recognition for their work and dedication as it is for me.’

Louise Shepherd, Chair of the Board commented, ‘On behalf of the board, staff members,
musicians and friends of Liverpool Philharmonic, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to
Michael. His unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership has been pivotal to the continued
success and growth of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society and Orchestra.

Through his outstanding work to foster community engagement and expand music educational
programmes and opportunities for children and young people across the City Region, coupled
with further elevating the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s recognition as one of the world’s leading
Orchestras, Michael has played a crucial role in shaping the Society as one of the UK’s leading
cultural institutions.’

Michael joined Liverpool Philharmonic from Arts Council England, with whom he had been
Executive Director North West since 2001. Previously, he was Director of Arts and Leisure for
Reading Borough Council, with a portfolio including the arts and theatre, libraries, museums
and archives, sport and leisure, and tourism.

His initial career was in theatre and concert hall management, including several years as
Director of the presenting theatre and concert hall, The Hexagon, Reading. Here he
programmed across several artforms including orchestral and popular music, theatre,
opera, and dance. He also led the establishment in Reading of the UK’s major annual world
music festival, the WOMAD Festival, in partnership with the WOMAD organisation, and the
th
renovation and re-opening of the 19 Century Reading Concert Hall.

He is a former Chair of the Association of British Orchestras and a former Vice President of
the Theatrical Management Association (now UK Theatre). Eakin was a member of the
National Council of Arts Council England between 2018 and 2022 and is Chair of the
Liverpool City Region Music Board. He was the Liverpool City Region Cultural Leader of the
Year, and overall Leader of the Year the Liverpool Daily Post Leader Awards 2013, and
winner of the Association of British Orchestras Concert Hall Manager of the Year award in
2015. Eakin was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Liverpool in 2022 in
recognition of his contribution to arts and culture in Liverpool.